Patriots Have Had Multiple Pre-Draft Meetings With This Wideout Prospect

The New England Patriots have shown interest in one particular player, and they have already had meetings with a wideout prospect.

Clemson wideout prospect Amari Rodgers met with Patriots scouts at the 2021 Senior Bowl in February. He talked to Patriots receivers coach Mick Lombardi on FaceTime last week.

According to Rodgers, his meeting with Lombardi was great, adding that he “can definitely see himself playing for Coach Belichick.”

“Because he kind of reminds me of (Clemson) coach (Dabo) Swinney as far as discipline,” Rodgers told McBride. “Very hard and very focused and stuff like that. I feel like the Patriots and Clemson kind of relate to each other, so I feel like I would fit very well in the Patriots organization.”

Patriots to turn their meetings with the wideout prospect into something productive

Rodgers was a great pass-catcher for the Tigers in 2020. He led the national semifinalists in catches (77) and receiving yards (1,020). Rodgers tied fellow draft prospect Cornell Powell for the team lead in TD receptions.

The wideout measures 5 feet 10, 210 pounds. He is strong and well-built. Rodgers operated out of the slot at Clemson, with 68 of his 77 receptions launched from an inside alignment as confirmed by Pro Football Focus. Rodgers led all FBS wideouts in slot catches and ranks third in slot yards (917).

Powell ranked in the top 10 at the position in forced missed tackles (17) but saw some struggles in contested-catch situations. He hauled in just five in his college career in 17 attempts.

Powell is Tee Martin’s son who was selected 36 spots before Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady in 2000.

New England really needs a wideout. They had a 7-9 record in 2020 and Belichick worked with a really weak group of receivers. The team hasn’t selected a single Clemson product in Bill Belichick’s time with the team.

How will the Patriots finish the offseason? They have several great options at the moment and Belichick will get the right players for the team. New England lacks strong weapons and they have yet to sign a quarterback. Cam Newton was the Patriots’ No.1 quarterback in 2020. Will he return for another season?